Many thanks Gaucho, I shall search out the Rutini, I hope it's available in half bottles. The petit manseng sounds an interesting option also, it's not a variety I have (knowingly) tasted. Interestingly an increasing number of small French producers are now labelling lesser known grape variety wines as varietals eg Gros Manseng, Melon de Bourgogne etc. This is clearly an example of the old world being influenced by the so called new.
On another topic, as I mentioned, I will be in the NorthWest for a week in December, any recommendations?
Originally Posted by Gaucho100K
Dear Monkey2--
The Miguel Escorihuela Gascon you mention is indeed one of the very good wines of Argentina. I think this label is many times overlooked, and even underestimated, as it looms behind huge names and labels like Angelica Zapata, Catena Zapata, Felipe Rutini, and others. In addition, this wine is a very strong competitor considering its price, well below the Felipe Rutini and the Catena Zapata.
As for dessert wines... there are a few notables:
1) Terrazas Afincado Petite Menseng
2) Achaval Ferrer Dolce
3) Rutini Vin Doux Naturelle
Of the above, only wine 3) has Botrytis involved in its production process. It is currently the only Argentine dessert wine with this characteristic. From your description of your preferences, the Rutini is probably your first choice.